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My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 49
🕑 Added 2025-01-23 15:24:04 +0000 UTCChapter 49: The Barrenness of Sunagakure
Rasa skimmed through the list quickly, his sharp eyes scanning each name.
"Sunate, Otonashi, Risato, Ryokan…"
These were some of the most promising genin selected by Goshima from this year’s graduating class—what he called the "elite class."
In every ninja village, jonin were a scarce and valuable resource. For these so-called elite genin to someday serve as mentors for the newly graduated students, they would first have to prove themselves capable. The rest of the graduates? They would remain as low-ranking genin, their futures tied to the slow, grinding process of accumulating enough experience to one day qualify as chūnin.
But as Rasa continued down the list, he felt no spark of excitement, no sense of discovery. There was nothing extraordinary about these children. The ones on the list had made it there because of specific traits that stood out—exceptional chakra control, possessing two or more chakra natures, or a natural affinity for puppet techniques. While these abilities were impressive compared to the average ninja, they were far from remarkable on a larger scale.
What troubled Rasa even more was the sheer lack of candidates.
There were only 12 names. Enough for, at most, four "elite" classes.
Noticing Rasa’s dissatisfaction, Goshima shifted uncomfortably and quickly tried to justify the numbers.
"Kazekage-sama, I deeply apologize. This year’s graduating class doesn’t have many outstanding talents. But once the ninja academy is expanded, we’ll have better results."
Rasa gave a slight nod, his face calm but unreadable.
"Don’t misunderstand me. These children are the future of Sunagakure. I’m merely considering how we can help them grow into stronger ninjas."
Even as he said this, a feeling of helplessness settled in his chest. The barrenness of Sunagakure—its lack of resources and talent—was a weight he could never quite shrug off.
It had been 47 years since the village was founded.
During the reign of the Second Kazekage, Sunagakure had been able to compensate for its resource shortages with innovative advancements in puppet techniques and sand manipulation. At its peak, the village had a formidable force of over 1,000 chūnin.
(AN: These numbers are based on the original figures from the Fourth Shinobi War for consistency.)
But then came the Second Great Ninja War. A devastating conflict that had cost them dearly.
Today, only about 300 chūnin remained, and many of them were aging veterans from the first or second generations. The Third Kazekage, despite his strength and commanding respect, lacked the ingenuity of his predecessor. This lack of vision had resulted in a slow but steady decline in Sunagakure’s shinobi ranks.
Each year, no more than ten genin successfully became chūnin.
As for jonin? The numbers were even bleaker. If one or two ninjas achieved jonin rank in a year, it was considered an achievement worthy of celebration.
Rasa rubbed his temples, frustration evident on his face.
"It seems I need to come up with a plan."
At this rate, no matter how tirelessly Sunagakure worked to develop its ninjas, it wouldn’t be enough to close the gap between them and Konoha.
The truth was unavoidable—this was a problem of bloodlines.
Sunagakure simply didn’t have enough strong bloodlines to compete. If they wanted to level the playing field, they would have to rely on advancements in technology and experimentation.
For some reason, the thought of the Dragon Vein Chakra fruit he had obtained in Rōran resurfaced in Rasa's mind, prompting him to make a firm decision.
"The jonin instructor list you presented—I approve it."
With a wave of his hand, Rasa signed the document decisively. Without missing a beat, he continued.
"The construction of the ninja academy, the medical department, and the orphanage is now our top priority. From this moment on, all resources in the village must be directed toward these efforts. As for the new batch of children entering the academy, we'll wait until the school expansion is completed. That should take roughly a month, giving us enough time to prepare. In seven days, a group of citizens from Rōran will integrate into Sunagakure. Any children of the appropriate age among them must also be enrolled in the academy. Ensure the school continues to expand as needed."
"Understood!"
With no further matters to discuss, the three advisors bowed and departed.
Not long after, Baki entered the room, his posture straight and professional.
"Kazekage-sama, the diplomatic letters to Iwagakure and Kumogakure have been delivered by the Anbu, as instructed—secretly."
Rasa shook his head.
"No, it shouldn’t be secret. Make it public. I want Konoha to know."
Baki paused, considering the implications before nodding in agreement.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama. I’ll ensure the Anbu handles it appropriately."
Rasa gave a slight nod of approval before shifting to another matter.
"How’s the progress on the public notice about gathering suggestions to improve the village’s transportation and environment?"
Prepared for the inquiry, Baki pulled a scroll from within his robes and presented it.
"It’s ready, Kazekage-sama. We’re only waiting for your approval before posting it throughout the village."
Rasa unfurled the scroll and skimmed it quickly. The contents were clear, but he frowned at one detail.
"The rewards are too stingy. Increase them. Anyone offering practical and useful suggestions should be rewarded at the level of an A-rank mission, along with the same privileges granted to a jonin in the village. If the suggestions are proven actionable, upgrade the reward to S-rank. Grant them the privileges of an elder."
Baki looked taken aback. He hesitated, as though about to object, but Rasa cut him off.
"It’s just money and honorary titles," Rasa said, his tone calm but firm. "The village isn’t lacking in these things."
Reluctantly, Baki nodded in agreement.
As Baki prepared to leave, Rasa’s voice stopped him once more.
"How is Bunpuku?"
At the sudden mention of the jinchūriki, Baki straightened, responding promptly.
"Bunpuku is doing very well. I’ve assigned Anbu medical ninjas to ensure his care."
Rasa, satisfied, issued another instruction.
"Starting today, elevate Bunpuku’s status and treatment to that of an elder."
Baki’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected order. He hesitated, then cautiously asked,
"And what about his surveillance?"
Rasa’s gaze turned steely.
"I’ve already made arrangements for that. Now, come with me. We’ll visit Bunpuku together."
---
When Rasa stepped out of his office, the sky had already brightened. The desert heat was beginning to rise, and the scorching sun cast its relentless glare over Sunagakure.
Under Baki’s guidance, Rasa made his way swiftly to Bunpuku’s current location.
Concerned about the possibility of the tailed beast running amok, Baki had arranged for Bunpuku to reside in a temple on the westernmost edge of the village. From the outside, the temple appeared worn and weathered by time, yet it held great historical significance. This was the ancient site where the First Kazekage had sealed Shukaku, earning it the name "Temple of the Sand."
Had the Second Kazekage not experimented with sealing Shukaku into Bunpuku’s body, the tailed beast would likely still be imprisoned within this temple.
"Have the Anbu ninjas withdraw for now," Rasa ordered.
Baki nodded and relayed the command, stepping aside as Rasa entered the temple alone.
The structure was built against a towering cliff, its walls carved into the rock to create a network of interconnected caves, which served as shrines. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings of Shukaku and violet floral patterns, faded but still striking against the stone.
Most of the temple had long been abandoned, its outer sections falling into disrepair. Only the main hall remained intact, maintaining a sense of solemn dignity amid the decay.
As Rasa stepped into the courtyard, he saw the frail figure of Bunpuku, sweeping slowly with deliberate movements. The old man’s hunched form was a stark contrast to the vast emptiness of his surroundings.
Hearing footsteps, Bunpuku looked up, startled, before quickly clasping his hands together in greeting while also bowing deeply.
"Greetings, Kazekage-sama!"
Rasa returned the gesture with a nod, his eyes scanning the quiet surroundings.
"It seems you’ve been managing well here."
Bunpuku straightened and nodded.
"Yes, I’ve been well. Though Shukaku doesn’t particularly like being here—this place reminds him of the First Kazekage and his seal—it’s much better than being confined in a prison. It’s peaceful... thank you, Kazekage-sama."
"There’s no need to thank me. This is what you deserve."
Rasa paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Noticing the hesitation, Bunpuku gave him an encouraging look.
"Please, Kazekage-sama, speak freely," the elderly monk said softly.
"I came here to discuss a potential relocation. I possess a treasure—one of great value—that will require the combined strength of both you and Shukaku to protect. By the way, the sealing tool used to imprison Shukaku—the Black Teapot—it’s still here, correct?"
